Who Is Marc Fogel And Why Was He Jailed?

Marc Fogel is an American educator with extensive experience teaching in international schools. A Pennsylvania native, Fogel had spent years working in Moscow, Russia, where he taught history and social studies at the Anglo-American School, a prestigious institution attended by diplomats’ children and expatriates.

Fogel is known for his dedication to education, having spent decades working abroad and shaping the lives of students across different countries. His career took a tragic turn in 2021 when he was arrested in Russia under severe drug charges.

Why Was Marc Fogel Jailed?

In August 2021, Marc Fogel was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport upon arrival from the United States. Russian authorities discovered a small quantity of medical marijuana in his luggage, which Fogel stated was prescribed by a doctor for chronic pain related to a back injury. Despite his claims, he was charged with drug trafficking, a serious offense under Russian law.

In June 2022, a Russian court sentenced him to 14 years in a high-security penal colony, a punishment that was widely criticized as being disproportionate. His case drew comparisons to that of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was also detained in Russia for cannabis possession but later released in a prisoner swap.

The Diplomatic Efforts And His Release

For years, Fogel’s family, human rights activists, and U.S. lawmakers campaigned for his release, arguing that he was unfairly punished and should be considered a wrongfully detained American. Unlike Griner, he was initially left out of high-profile prisoner exchanges between the U.S. and Russia.

However, in February 2025, diplomatic efforts finally bore fruit, and Fogel was released in a deal negotiated by U.S. officials. His unexpected freedom has been seen as a possible step toward easing tensions between the two nations.

What’s Next For Marc Fogel?

Now back on American soil, Fogel is expected to undergo medical evaluations and debriefings before reuniting with his family. His case remains a stark reminder of the risks Americans face when traveling abroad with substances that may be legal in the U.S. but are strictly prohibited elsewhere.